Do police stop you if you don't wear a helmet?

Question

If you are under age (to be wearing a helmet), would the police stop you and give you a fine?

Answer 1

It depends on what state you live in. I have seen the benevolent constabulary ticket minors for not wearing a helmet but they also had one kid on the handlebars; drawing undue attention to themselves. That was in San Diego.

Answer 2

Not only that, but they will call your parents, and you'll be in REAL trouble then.

Answer 3

They can in California. Something like $20. But I've never seen it happen.

Answer 4

If you are  not wearing a helmet, at any age (in australia), you could be stopped by the police - in theory that is.

I live near a beach suburb, and cylists often break the road laws - they ride on the footpath, ignore red lights, have no bike lights or don't have a helmet. Or if they have one, it's hanging on the handle-bars.

It reflects quite badly on those law-abiding cyclists (like me), and the authorities don't make much of an effort at all to enforce the rules.

It all depends where you live & how strict the local authorities are about the rules.

Answer 5

I'm 37, and I wear my helmet religiously, so I don't know. sadly, I do see many kids riding about town without helmets, and no police interaction. not my kids. my 9 yr old endo'd her gary fisher last month, so she knows why she wears her helmet every time she rides as well..